How long will my first visit be?
Because of every patient’s unique periodontal needs and recommended treatment, your consultation length may vary. However, our doctors will always ensure you will have the adequate time necessary to properly discuss your needs and address any questions. Sometimes, same-day treatment may be offered.
Can you save my teeth?
Recent advances in periodontal treatment can result in improved patient outcomes, including the maintenance and preservation of many teeth. Your consultation appointment will help us assess and recommend treatment plans based on every patient’s unique situation.
Do you offer anything that can ease my dental anxiety?
We offer Moderate Sedation in our practice, both Oral and Intravenous. Sedation can vary from person to person, and you will be monitored through the duration of the sedation and procedure. With both Oral and Intravenous Moderate Sedation, you will need to arrive with a chaperone who can drive you home and look after you during the immediate post-operative period.
When your procedure is completed under sedation, you will be relaxed and your anxiety relieved and afterwards, you may be tired and not remember much from the procedure. Patients who experience dental anxiety, sensitivity, or have a strong gag reflex may benefit from sedation.
More information on Moderate Sedation can be found linked here.
Pre-operative instructions to prepare for your appointment under sedation can be found linked here.
Do I still have to see my general dentist?
Yes! Your general dentist is the quarterback of the dental team. We will work closely with your general dentist to phase your periodontal treatments with their planned crowns and fillings. As a general rule, it is critical to return to your general dentist for routine examinations and check-ups.
Sometimes, with periodontal maintenance, you will alternate cleaning appointments every three months between our office and your general dentist.
How do I clean my dental implants?
Your new dental implant and its associated crown or denture must be cleaned and maintained in a unique way. Brush your dental implant crown as you would brush your other teeth – small, circular brushstrokes with your toothbrush bristles angled toward the gum are most effective. Dental implants are narrower in the cervical, “neck” region than natural teeth. When you floss next to an implant, the floss should gently wrap the neck of the implant to thoroughly clean off debris that might have accumulated. If you use a Waterpik, the Waterpik must be on the lowest setting possible to be gentle to the gums around the implant.
If your dental implants are holding a fixed denture in place, we recommend a Waterpik with a special curved attachment for you to irrigate and rinse underneath the denture and clean the implants. Sometimes, it is recommended that this fixed denture be removed for your professional cleaning so we can access these implants.
Like your teeth, your dental implant should be professionally maintained at least once every six month, but usually every three to four months by either our office or your general dentist’s office.
What will my treatments cost?
Upon clinical and radiographic evaluation, we most often can provide a treatment plan with associated costs same-day. Select cases may require additional treatment planning and/or coordination with other members of your dental team that may require another visit to discuss recommendations.
Please provide our team with all medical and dental insurance benefit information. Often, dental insurance policies cover periodontal treatments and we will work with you to utilize these benefits.